Swedish Military "Hand Axe"

Thanks for all the comments.

I haven't seen any hard evidence about what company made these axes, but I recall one explanation that there were a lot of axes issued in Sweden during the early 1940s, to help with, among other uses, chopping trees to block roads and slow down the invading army. The axe pictured in this thread was one of the smaller Swedish military surplus axes that were available here a few years ago for about $20; most of them were close to 3 pounds, if I recall correctly, and cost about $25. They were generally marked "KB42", or "KB44", etc., which presumably corresponds to the year they were made. But again, no hard evidence.
 
I also purchased one of these a few years back. Mine does not have a date. It does have a three crown stamp and a Hults Bruks logo. About a three pound head, fits on a boys axe handle. Mine is nice enough. Three pounds on a 28" haft is a pretty good compromise for carrying around and still getting work done.
Mine needed a new handle and the edge had been sharpened on a grinder. Seems to be OK after I re-profiled the bit.

I did not think they were that great of a deal at the time when I could buy a better vintage boys axe for less but as things are now all of use that bought one could probably double are money, so I wish I would have picked up a couple dozen.
 
Old is NEW! even with threads! These axes popped up on another forum they were for sale for short time at sportsmanguide. This past week for $22 I think. I was little skeptical of them but as I see here and other place they are good to go.
 
Ravaillac said:
This is hardened steel. Sounds complicated, also not that axes are that essential in armies.
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If you were with the engineers it would be an essential tool. I really doubt that the temper in the head (hardened steel) would extend that far above the edge to make it difficult to drill a hole in the head that far away from the edge.

But I could be wrong.

Tom
 
Lieblad said:
...eariler in this thread reference made to axes bearing "KB42,KB44, etc. Thats touchmark of Kimo Bruk & manufacture year.
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Do you have a verifiable source for this, or is this "fact" based on speculation?

I ask because I haven't seen anything other than speculation about what the KB signifies. I myself have speculated that it could be from Kölefors Bruk (in Sweden). According to information about the Finnish axe industry (source listed below) Kimo ironworks was established in the early 1700s, but by the late 1800s, "only Billnäs, Kellokoski-Mariefors and Strömfors remained as main manufacturers of axes." No mention of Kimo Bruk remaining, meanwhile the axe factory at Kölefors was reportedly one of the most well-known axe forges in Sweden at the end of the 19th century


Steve Tall said:
Perhaps it's from Kölefors Bruk (in Sweden) instead of Kimo Bruk (in Finland).

According to this discussion on Finnish axe history, Kimo ironworks was established in the early 1700s, but by the late 1800s, "only Billnäs, Kellokoski-Mariefors and Strömfors remained as main manufacturers of axes."
http://northernwildernesskills.blogspot.com/2013/08/all-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about.html

The history page at the Gransfors site mentions an axe factory at Kölefors being one of the most well-known axe forges in Sweden at the end of the 19th century.

An example of an axe marked "Kölefors Bruk":

102446-19fb744577ed43ea85bb99efa6f1cd89.jpeg
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